ABQ Sports Magazine by ABQ Sports Magazine

New Mexicoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s #1 Sports Magazine December 2014

Cross Country championships State football championships

volleyball championships State soccer championships See Next Page For Details

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It’s December, ABQ Sports fans! That means state championship games for fall sports - we have a look at the top teams in volleyball, soccer, cross country and football.

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It’s 6A football in particular that is making news across the state, as northern team Rio Rancho captures the trophy in an exhilarating game that left fans on the edges of their seats until the last 90 seconds of the game. They’ve defeated the mighty Mayfield Trojans, capping a perfect season - making history at both the school and the NMAA. We have all the game action plus a look back at the road to the Rams’ victory inside.

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The best area volleyball players have been ranked - find out who is receiving 1st team All-Metro honors, Marty Saiz has the details.

Managing Editor

UNM distance runners produce the highest rankings in program history, and one athlete distinguishes herself at the Regional competition. She’s Alice Wright - more on this All-America runner coming up.

Sumiko Corley Sumiko@abqsportsmag.com

Eldorado quarterback Zach Gentry receives a prestigious honor, read more in NM Notables.

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ABQ Sports is privileged to share the store of Martin Romero, a freshman baseball player from Rio Grande High School who died of glioblastoma multiforme, an aggressive form of brain cancer. His dying wish has left its mark on countless others. His life and his legacy, in one of the most hearttouching stories of the year.

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Our staff at ABQ Sports wishes you the best this holiday season - Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah - whatever your faith - we wish you peace, happiness and prosperity, and thank you for being a part of the ABQ Sports family.

view our new & improved website! abqsportsmag.com #abqsportsmag ABQ Sports corrects the following errors in the November issue made due to mistakes in the YAFL register.

2014 YAFL Student-Athlete Award winners: David Aragon Los Lunas East Joshua Peralta Rio Grande Varsity Darrick Kasby Sue Cleveland Sophomores

Carlos Montoya Rams come out strong for their first 6A State Championship game. Cover Shot By Carlos Montoya.

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On the Cover

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New Mexico’s #1 Sports Magazine December 2014

CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS STATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS

VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS STATE SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIPS

A NEW BEGINNING AT

CLUB RIO RANCHO

Brian Carlos Montoya Boysen

Jordan Montoya

See Next Page For Details

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Daniel Kayla Martinez Montoya Contributing Writers

Dave Chris Friedlander Martinez

Marty Saiz

Trula Howe

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We thank you for investing your time into our magazine. Got any feedback? We appreciate any ideas, suggestions or anything we missed. Please feel to contact us anytime by phone, email, or mail.

Writers

ABQ Sports is a monthly magazine dedicated to covering all aspects of the Albuquerque and surrounding communities scene. We accept stories and photos for consideration. Email: carlos@abqsportsmag.com All contents of this magazine are copyrighted by ABQ Sports Magazine, all rights reserved. Reproduction of any articles, advertisement or material from this issue is forbidden without permission of the publisher.

New Mexicoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s #1 Sports Magazine DECEMBER 2014

CONTENTS

2014 cross country state championships

2014 soccer state championships

16 high school football state championships

More Sports.... 22 Rams in Review 24 Elite Physique Performance Training

2014 Jingle Bell Run/walk

28 Martin L. Romero: Make-A-Wish Donation 30 Yearwood Grand Opening

Photos Courtesy: Nano Casaus, Nanosdynamic

Chris Harlow- Cibola 2014 state champ 16:13:85 Photo COURTESY: BLAINE CLARKE

Natasha Bernal 2014 state champ, 18:50:85

PHOTO: Brian Boysen for moji photography

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he Rams and the Bears entered the 6A championship heavily favored to win after incredible regular season performances, and they did not disappoint at the November race held at Rio Rancho High School.

“I was so incredibly happy. I can’t describe it,” says Rams runner Noah Dodd. “All seven of us (were) just sitting there (when) Coach Vallo came sprinting through the locker room ‘WE WON!’ It was amazing! We all jumped up and began to cry with the amount of relief and joy we felt as individuals, and as a team.” The Rams boys are 2013’s defending state champs and captured the team title again with 61 points, holding of Hobbs.

Devin Paredes, harlow COURTESY: BLAINE CLARKE

“The strength of our team is our depth and the ability of our frontrunners,” says Rams head coach Sal Gonzales. “Last year we had great depth but we didn’t have solid frontrunners until the state meet. This year our frontrunners (Devin, Michael and Josh) did a great job of placing in the top 10 at most meets. We also had great depth. All of our team ran strong enough at the state meet to score. “ Continued on next page

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Photos: Brian Boysen for MOJI Photography Continued from previous page

The Rio Rancho team is made up of Devin Paredes (10th), Josh Pyeatt (12th), Michael Goke (11th), Trevor Amestoy (11th), Zachary Allen (10th) Noah Dodd (10th) and David Ogden (10th). They had stiff competition against Hobbs, and the championship really was dependent the performances of all the Rams. “I did not know that we had won until the results were announced,” says Gonzales. “Hobbs ran a great race and placed their 5th runner ahead of our 5th runner. We beat them because our top 4 runners ran better than their top 4.” The Rams are poised for top positions in the future, graduating just one of their top 9 runners this coming spring. Assistant coaches: Roxy Vallo, Aaron Sanchez, Tamara Lementino and Victoria Collins. The Lady Bears earned the team crown and is home to the individual state champ as well. She’s Natasha Bernal (18:50.85). “(Natasha) completed the first undefeated cross country season in school history,” says La Cueva head coach Nick Martinez. “Natasha set school records, course records, and the APS Metro Championship record along the way. Her state championship victory was a sweet exclamation point on one of the most dominating seasons for any NM high school student athlete in recent memory. “ Bernal led her talented ladies, which includes Mason Swanson, Mackenzie Everett, Jessie Pennners, Abilgail Napier, Noelle Hendrickson and Kimberly Miller, to the top with a team score of 53. “I am extremely impressed with their poise under pressure,” says Martinez, “their support of one another, and their ability to compete at the highest level with no ego. Many athletes have big goals and dreams, but only champions are prepared to outwork their competition on a consistent basis.” La Cueva’s assistant coaches: Jacquelyne Martinez and Matthew Gallegos. The individual boys champion is Chris Harlow (16:13.85) of Cibola, coached by Blaine Clarke. “Chris has been a joy for me to coach for the past four seasons,” says Clarke, and he has been an inspiration to so many of his team mates and fellow runners. I am truly humbled to have had the pleasure to have coached him, and now I get to coach his little brother!” Harlow captured the win with his natural ability, hard work and what Cibola’s athletic director Ray Rodriguez calls a strategic plan. “It was amazing to see the focus and determination he displayed throughout the championship race,” says Rodriguez. “He knew exactly how to win that race and went about it with shire will and determination. He ran a beautiful race!”

“The State race was incredibly hard. The course itself is already difficult. And Hobbs put up such a great fight. But when it came down to it we were victorious!” - Noah Dodd, Rio Rancho High School 8 December 2014

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FOOT

State S

5a 10 December 2014

ACTION!

Soccer Championships 4a 6

Photos: Moji Photography Tim March

A Girls: The La Cueva Bears won their third state title in the last four years by beating Rio Rancho 2-0 in the championship game, as the Bears avenged their loss to the Rams in the title game of the APS Metro Championships. La Cueva didn’t allow a goal in the quarters or semis, either. Jordyn Lacy scored early in the first half and Payton Balduini added an insurance goal later in the half. It was the 13th state title for the Bears, the last six with coach Amber Ashcraft. 5A Girls: St. Pius X made it back-to-back state titles with a 2-1 win over Albuquerque Academy, sending off head coach David Sullivan Sr. into retirement – to be succeeded by his son, David Jr. -- with his seventh blue trophy since 1999. Tatiana Limon scored the tying goal on a penalty kick and with about 10 minutes left in regulation, Lourdes Padilla notched the game-winner. 4A Girls: Hope Christian wrapped up its perfect season with a 2-1 overtime victory over St. Michael’s. Kristin Traeger’s goal midway through the first overtime gave Hope the title for the second year in a row and the fourth overall for the Huskies. 6A Boys: Although Volcano Vista’s girls team had played for the blue trophy three years in a row (2010-12), this time it was the Hawks boys playing for all the marbles for the second year in a row, winning with a 2-1 victory over Albuquerque High.

STAFF REPORT All three goals were scored in the first half of play, with Nevin Montano scoring twice for the Hawks. Geovanni Marquez scored for the Bulldogs, in the championship game for the first time since 1998. 5A Boys: Capital High won its first soccer title after a goal by Alexis Romo in the second overtime beat Albuquerque Academy 2-1. After a scoreless first half, Alexander Touche scored for the Chargers three minutes into the second half. Three minutes before the end of regulation, Kevin Martinez netted the tying goal. After the first 10-minute OT was scoreless, Romo became the hero for Capital, leaving the Chargers runners-up for the sixth time in the last 11 seasons. A-4A Boys: In a game that seemed like it would never end, Griffin Sides finally found the back of the net in the fourth OT for a 2-1 victory. Sandia Prep was seeking its fifth state title in a row. It was the second state title for the Griffins, their first since 1982.

abqsportsmag.com • 11

Lady Cougars take 2014State Volleyball STAFF REPORT Photos: JB Gallegos- MOJI SPORTS Photography

lass 6A: Beaten by the Rams in four previous matches this season, fifth- 23. Showing longevity, the same head coaches, Texico’s Kristen Scanlan seeded Cibola (15-8) defeated the Rams 25-22, 25-21, 25-21. It was and Prep’s Rainy Crisp, were at the helms. Cibola’s first volleyball championship since 1981. Class 2A: Ramah won its second net title defeating Melrose (23-0) 25-17, Class 5A: In just their third year of existence, the Centennial Hawks 17-25, 21-25, 25-9, 15-8 to finish its season with a perfect record. (21-4) won their first state championship with a 3-2 (27-29, 24-26, 25-10, 25-17, 15-8) victory over Piedra Vista. Class A: Elida and Carrizozo met in the state finals for the fourth year in a row, with the Tigers (25-0) winning their fifth net title in a row after a 25-10, Class 4A: Bridesmaid the past two seasons, Ruidoso (19-5) won its fourth title 25-10, 18-25, 25-10 win over Carrizozo. with a 25-23, 25-16, 23-25, 25-19 win over Sandia Prep. It was the fifth volleyball championship in a row for Elida. Class 3A: In a rematch of the 2A title tilt in 2008, Texico and Navajo Prep squared off, with the Wolverines (23-1) sweeping the Eagles 25-12, 25-14, 25-

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Scoring Format: All matches in all rounds will consist of the best two of three tie-break sets, with all games to be played under ad scoring and with a seven-point tie-breaker at 6-all in any set. Rest and Recovery Rule: Rest Period. As per USTA Rules a 2-hour rest period will be offered to singles players between matches. This may be waived by the player/coach, but in no case will the time between singles matches be less than 30-minutes. For doubles matches the rest period is 30-minutes between matches. By rule this may be waived by the player/coach in the presence of the site director. Information Links for the NM HS Tennis Tournaments:

Bracket Schedule and Locations: www.nmact.org/file/Tennis_Team_2014.pdf Tournament Information: www.nmact.org/file/State_Info_Tennis.pdf

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New Mexico

NOTABLES Zach Gentry

NM’s Gatorade Football Player of the Year

Sam Garcia

Cibola Football

QB Garcia distinguished himself in the playoff game against Eldorado. The Cougars lost 21-14 to the Eagles but nearly had an upset victory, reminiscent of the game just weeks early against Cleveland (42-28). ABQ Sports recognizes this senior for his fine performance on BOTH sides of the ball. Not only did he pass for a 2-point conversion, he ran the ball 57-yards for a TD and served as the team’s kicker/ punter.

Standing 6-7 and 235lbs, Eldorado’s senior quarterback has been selected for this honor after a stellar season, leading the Eagles to the semi finals of the state championship. Gentry threw for 2,978 yards and 26 touchdowns. His strong arm was complemented by his ability to carry the ball, rushing for 1,057 yards and 22 touchdowns. He logs 55 career TDs passing and 47 rushing. Gentry has 3.58 GPA, has volunteered as a counselor, youth mentor and youth football coach. Gentry has verbally committed to the University of Texas and is expected to sign in the spring.

Alice Wright

UNM Cross Country This red shirt freshman won the individual title at the NCAA Mountain Regional Cross Country meet November 14th. Wright is a native of Worcester, England and has won a slew of titles in her home country. Her work ethic has also earned her honors off the course - a 2014 Mountain West Scholar-Athlete.

UNM Women’s

Cross Country The Lady Lobos’ combined score earned them a third-place finish at the 2014 NCAA Division 1 Cross Country Championship in Terre Haute, IN in November. This is the highest-ever program finish at the national championships. This team was led by All-America runners Alice Wright and Charlotte Arter.

Melrose NM Football

NMAA Compete with Class Award recipient Following the 8-man team championship game against Logan,

the players and head coach Dickie Roybal presented Logan senior Trey Daniels with the game ball and extolled Daniels’ athletic skill. Daniels suffered a severe injury during the semifinal that ended his season. NMAA’s Dusty Young: «Their act of sportsmanship exemplifies the true ideals of the Compete with Class Sportsmanship Initiative - respect, integrity, and responsibility.”

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16 December 2014

FOOTBALL

MPS!

Photo by Carlos Montoya

Miguel Barreras with a TD

RAMS REIGN SUPREME 2014 6A State Football CHAMPIONS

BY: SUMIKO CORLEY

PHOTOS: SUMIKO CORLEY, CARLOS MONTOYA, BRIAN BOYSEN, Jordan Montoya & VINCE MAISANO

December 5, 2014. The night the Rams made history. The first state championship for Rio Rancho High School, the first state champion team in 6A. The win caps a perfect 13-0 season for the Rams, and a life-long dream for head coach David Howes. “All glory goes to God, so many things have to go right and the need for inner strength through it all is vital,” says Howes. “I share this title with my football brothers growing up, my family, the Rio Rancho community that truly supported us over the years, the different groups that dedicate so many hours (cheer, dance, and band), and all the previous players that gave their all to build the foundation. The credit goes to these coaches and their families for the countless hours sacrificed, the administration, and most of all the 2014 players.” This was the Rams first appearance at the big show against southern powerhouse and state championship veteran Mayfield. “It was a tough battle,” says senior linebacker Ikaika Waters. “We weren’t going to get it easy. It was going to take hard work to get what we wanted and that’s how we got it.” Thrilling. Nail-biting. Those words don’t even come close to describing the level of emotion and noise the 5,000+ fans made as the two teams traded touchdowns in Rams stadium. The scored remained tied much of the game. Ultimately, it came down to this: With both teams at 31 and just minutes left, Mayfield made a mistake in their near-perfect game. On Mayfield’s 4th down from the Rio Rancho 10, Mayfield had a 18 December 2014

low snap to quarterback Kavika Johnson resulting in a turnover of the ball to Rio Rancho. Rams quarterback Easton Bruere moved the ball to Mayfield’s 12-yard line - that’s when things turned bleak for the Rams, with a pass intercepted at the goal line by Isaac Figueroa. With just 1:32 left in the game Mayfield’s snap went over the punter’s head, out of the end zone resulting in a safety - putting the score at 33-31 and the Rams with the lead. In desperation and little time left on the clock, Mayfield attempted an on-side kick that was recovered by #30, Vincent Farello. “Oh my gosh recovering that ball was amazing,” says Farello. “I thought Josh Foley (#21) had caught it but when it bounced over his head all I could think of was if Mayfield gets this ball we could kiss that state champs spot goodbye; so I did what I had to do and ran to the ball jumped up caught it, then as a swarm of Mayfield players tried stripping the ball out of my hands I fell to the ground. In my head I knew it was over!” Bruere then advanced the ball for a first down enabling the Rams to run out the clock. History made. Dreams realized. Chaos on the field. Yet amidst the cheers and the celebration, Waters and Bruere stood apart. In tears. “There was a lot of things going through my mind,” says Bruere, “but the biggest things was knowing I’ll never step on the field again with that group of guys and the thought of that hit me hard because I’ve never been around a greater group of guys in my life and it sucked that it came to an end.”

“ I think it’s important for everyone to know that if it weren’t for the underclassmen stepping up in practice hitting as hard and running as fast as they could on scout teams throughout the season that this would not have been possible. They need some credit because as our Creed states ‘We will respect the Rams that came before us and those that come after us’. So I want them to get some credit for the team’s success this year.” - Vincent Farello, senior defensive back

But what an end it was. In early game action senior wide receiver Brady Patterson put the Rams on the scoreboard first. “It felt so good, like I got our offense started,” says Patterson. “We were playing more comfortable after we punched the first one in. I’m just glad I could get it started for the game and gain our team a little momentum early.” Mayfield tied the score in the second quarter but a 32-yard field goal by John Finnegan put the Rams up 10-7. Johnson then gave the Trojans a 14-10 lead, answered by Bruere and Miguel Barreras putting the score at 17-14 at half. Mayfield went on to score 10 points taking the lead 24-17. A 5-yard run by Bruere and the pointafter by Finnegan resulted in another tie at 24. A Johnson-Vance connection put Mayfield up by 7, tied once again by Bruere and Barerras. The rest, as they say, is history.

Enough cannot be said about Bruere’s performance this season. He has gone largely unheralded but posts the highest stats in the state: 298/397 passing completions for 4,564 yards , 49 touchdowns, 6 interceptions, 47 rushes for 371 yards this season. He’s passed for 10,784 career yards - a stellar performance deserving of more recognition than he has received. Special note of junior kicker Finnegan’s performance. This is his first year on varsity. He was 100% during this championship game and had a near-perfect season. “We can’t put into words the emotions of winning after being tied and trailing most of the game,” says Howes, “but these players were mental beasts and were not going to be denied. They are special and it showed Friday night. Mayfield is one of the most respected programs in NM and Coach Bradley and his staff are all class! We respect them greatly...Just remember this was the biggest thing to happen to us so far but this is only the beginning and there is more to come. The 2015 get a week off and we are back to the grind! Go Rams! Pride Forever!!!”

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RAMS State Champion Roster Mark Alvarado Chris Andresen Jeremy Arroyo Miguel Barreras Easton Bruere Eric Caputo Kodi Doyebi Ethan Doyle Vincent Farello Cody Gallegos Joshu Garcia Andres Gonzales Matthew Guevara Phillip Gurule Patrick Hein Matthew Jackson Adrian Linzy Angelo Lujan Alejandro Naranjo Anthony Nolan Brady Patterson Jacob Perez Taylor Schmidt Luis Torres Ikaika Waters Steven Bailey Waylon Bailey Rickie Birk Bo Chanthip Diego Chavez Patrick Chavez Brian Drake John Finnegan Josh Burule Grant Hermanns Gregf Hermanns Elijah Hernandez Jacob Kline Adrian Lopez Rick Lucero Evan Montoya

Chris Pino Matt Pisa Dustin Raiola Marcos Rodriguez Santiago Salazar Andres Vallejos Zachary Dodd Brennon Begay Marcus Salas Ryan Lucero Cameron Brown Trey Parnell Kaleb Clauss Dakota Carrasco Christopher Cates Josh Foley Elijah Goodwin Kevin McCracken Vincent Palmeri Corey Perez Jonathon Erickson Logan Bruere Derrick Reyes Evan Tafoya-Vallo Victor Munoz Mitchell Green Austin Hise Damian Admire RAMS Varsity Coaching Staff David Howes, head coach Carl Bruere, OC Brandon Darlington, OL Chris Howe, DC Kelley Hill, ST Herbert Lee, JV Melissa Marks, ST Pat Mastriano, DL TJ Fails, head trainer Brady Patterson Coach David Howes

20 December 2014

QB easton bruere

coach kelley hill & ikaika waters

abqsportsmag.com â&#x20AC;˘ 21

COURTESY: DANIEL MARTINEZ, DnL PHOTOGRAPHY

RAMS in REVIEW STAFF REPORT

vincent farell o

matt jacks on

ujan Angelo L

ike Crosby, Stills and Nash once sang, “It’s been a long time comin’.” “It,” for Rio Rancho High School, was a state football championship.

A lot of hard work, disappointment, and a lot of blood, sweat and tears, not to mention countless players and a handful of coaches, occupied the first 17 seasons of RRHS football. In the 18th season – in the team’s 199th game – that longawaited state championship was theirs. The No. 1 Rams capped their perfect season with a 33-31 victory over visiting No. 2 Mayfield on December 5 before more than 5,500 fans. It was the first victory over the Trojans in four meetings; Mayfield had ended three previous Rams seasons, including the 2013 season. Rio Rancho High School opened in 1997, and for the first two seasons the Rams’ home games were played at Bernalillo High School. RRHS lost all 10 of its games under head coach Bill Moon. 22 December 2014

Moon stuck around three seasons, and after being succeeded by Wilson Holland in 2000, the Rams finished the season as District 5AAAA runners-up – and earned a postseason berth for the first time. Long-suffering fans will remember the long drive to Carlsbad, the two-hour delay before kickoff because it snowed – and the disappointing loss to the Cavemen. (Carlsbad’s head coach was Kirk Potter, who later led the Rio Rancho’s new high school, Cleveland, to the 5A championship in 2011, a mere three years after that school opened.) Holland was gone after three seasons and replaced by Phil Lopez, who promised, “We will win,” and led the Rams to their first district title – and then two more before departing after the 2006 season. David Howes was Lopez’s defensive coordinator. Mike Worley followed Lopez and won a district title, then was dismissed after a DWI arrest. Howes took the reins in 2009, won three district titles in his six years and then that game with Mayfield in the Rams’ first championship game appearance. Yes, it has been a long time coming.

Football State Championships

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lite Physique Performance Training provides health, fitness and lifestyle training. We are a 14,000sq.ft. strength, cardiovascular and sports-specific training gym. The front portion of the gym houses all-new Matrix Fitness equipment, three-tier dumbbell racks with weights up to 150 lbs., four brand-new stair mills along with 20 other cardio machines, 80 pieces of strength-training equipment, a stretching and conditioning area along with a showers and a full locker room. The back portion of the gym is a 4,000 square foot warehouse space dedicated to sports-specific training and group fitness. This will be floored with artificial turf and include equipment such as a mobile batting cage, sleds, TRX area, bands, medicine balls. Our goal is to be the premiere fitness facility in the state of New Mexico. We pride ourselves by offering a superior level of customer service to our clients and athletes. We know consumers are yearning for a new gym environment in the Rio Rancho and Albuquerque areas; they are tired of the unprofessionalism, overpriced memberships, old equipment and a mediocre gym environment. These types of gyms have been the only option in Rio Rancho for the last 20 years. Do it with PASSION or not at all! At Elite Physique Performance Training we aim to build a solid fitness foundation for each of our members. We are here to educate our athletes so they can take what they have learned and build their own personal fitness platform. We build strong habits within our members so they can maintain a healthy lifestyle for the rest of their lives. We aspire to be a strong partner in our community and give our support to improve health and fitness for all ages. The gym is located at 1664 Highway 528 Blvd. in Rio Rancho, next to Big Lots.

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2014 Jingle Bell Run/Walk December 13th O BY: SUMIKO CORLEY PHOTOS: COURTESY, KATIE McEUAN

ne of the most festive sporting events of the year gets underway in the Old Town area of Albuquerque, benefitting the hundreds of thousands of New Mexicans living with arthritis.

“The Jingle Bell Run/Walk for arthritis is our signature fundraising event,” says the Foundation’s Community Development Manager Katie McEuen. “It is a holiday themed 5k run/walk with a 1-mile fun run option. All of the funds raised go towards expanding out programs to the more than 373,000 adults and 2,000 kids in New Mexico that have arthritis. The funding also goes towards research for a cure, as right now there is no cure for any of the 100+ types of arthritis.” In addition to the 5k walk/run for both kids and adults, there’s also a one-mile fun walk, affectionately know as the Snowman Shuffle. This is the 8th year for the event in the Duke City. Last

26 December 2014

year the Jingle Bell Run netted more than $41,000, McEuen says the goal this year is $50,000.

“Community- based fundraisers are important in this fight because it raises awareness of the high prevalence rate of arthritis in New Mexico,” says McEuan. “ It offers an opportunity for individuals with arthritis to network and support one another in their fight against this crippling disease. It also helps us expand our services to New Mexicans with arthritis as well as fuel research for a cure. “ Arthritis is the nation’s leading cause of disability, with treatment costing nearly $130 billion dollars annually. If you haven’t registered, you can still participate. Walk-in registration is being accepted up until race time, with fees running $20-40. For more information visit www.AlbuquerqueJingleBellRun.org

Healthy Holiday Survivor Guide

s much as we look forward to holiday parties and dinners, many of us fear enjoying it too much and packing on the pounds. Studies show that the average American gains 1 to 3 pounds during the holiday season. That might not sound like a lot, but year after year it can really add up. So how do you fend off the holiday weight gain? Try some of these tips. Don’t Go Hungry to the Mall To cut down on the lure of the tempting smells of the food court, never go to the mall on an empty stomach. Make sure you eat before you go and bring a couple of healthy snacks along to keep you energized for your marathon of shopping. If you have to stop and eat during your trip, choose a suitable restaurant over the grab-and-go food court. Also request a table away from loud sounds and distractions because they can cause you to eat more. The bright lights and noisy hard surfaces can speed up the rate at which you eat and lead to overeating. Eat Before a Party Before heading out for the night, have a healthy snack to curb your appetite. While at the party be sure to go for the vegetable tray, fruit platter and lean protein choices. To make the evening the pleasant experience it should be, choose one item to splurge on so you do not feel deprived.

Track What You Eat Keep a food diary (and be honest!) to help you stay committed to your goals. Weigh yourself daily and use that number to guide your actions. Research has shown that women who step on the scale every day, and then act accordingly either increasing their exercise or decreasing their calorie intake, are 82 percent less likely to regain lost weight than those who don’t weigh in as often. Hit the Gym Sticking to your regular exercise routine will not only help keep you on track but help reduce the stress that the holidays seem to bring. If you don’t have time for your daily routine then break it up. Do your cardio in the morning and then do your strength training in the evening. It can be just as effective and beneficial to do multiple small bouts of exercise rather than completing one continuous workout.

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“Hug, kiss and love your children as much as you can. Remember everyday, every moment with them because you never know what the future holds. Never take life for granted. Life can change in a split second.”

- Cindy Romero, Martin’s mother

Martin Romero Make-A-Wish Donation Benefits Community Baseball BY: SUMIKO CORLEY

PHOTOS: BRIAN BOYSEN, MOJI PHOTOGRAPHY

Christmas will be here soon. For the Romero family, it’s the first one since the death of their 14-year old son Martin. Diagnosed with stage four brain cancer last fall, the avid baseball player had just months to live. As we enter the holidays it’s especially appropriate to remember what he did in those final days - an unselfish gesture that has touched the lives of so many athletes, and the hearts of many others. “His donation to SVLL (South Valley Little League) and Rio Grande High School exemplifies how giving Martin was,” says his mom Cindy. “Even at his age, he wanted to make sure baseball players of all ages had a nice facility to play at. He wanted his team at Rio Grande High School to use the money as they see fit. Martin just wanted to help others.” The Make-A-Wish Foundation gifted Martin a request of his choice. His choice is his legacy, and a reminder that heartbreak can indeed bring out the very best in the human spirit. Martin used $2,000 of the $5,000 Wish to pave the walkways at SLVV to all the major fields. The other $3,000 went to his high school - that money is being used to improve the halo, the area behind home base. In honor of his generosity, SVLL is renaming the Jr/Sr field in his name. Rio Grande will name the clubhouse after him. “Not many children would donate their money to help others,” says Romero. “It makes his dad, mom and brother extremely proud. It’s very hard for us to go to the SVLL fields knowing that Martin is no longer with us to play his favorite sport. He loved baseball and wanted to play professionally. Martin and his brother James played at SVLL in the Pee Wee division all the way up to the Major Division. Martin was an All-Star player in the Minor division (1 yr), Major division (2 yrs) and Senior Division (1 yr). His Senior Division team won the District title in 2013. “ Martin’s generosity has compelled his family to create a scholarship. “We want to see Martin’s legacy live on,” says him mom. “Martin would want to see others achieve their educational goals by offering some financial assistance. Who knows maybe one of the recipients of the Martin L. Romero Scholarship Fund will be the one to find a cure for his cancer. Wouldn’t that be great.” RGHS teammate Michael Chavez is the first recipient of the scholarship. Read more about Martin and the fund at mlrscholarship.com

28 December 2014

“There is not one second of the day that goes by that we don’t think of him. His death has left a hole in our hearts that will never heal. We miss everything about him. He was so kind and loving. Martin was a great son and he’s made us very proud.” - Cindy Romero

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